Students as Creators of Content

The old adage says that in order to really learn something, you need to be able to teach it. When I first started teaching in the 80’s (was it that long ago), I realize the truth of that statement. I was teaching earth science in an inner city middle school and trying to just keep ahead of my students. My background was in Chemistry and Physics and I had to teach what I didn’t really know. I quickly learned the content so that I could teach my students. Unfortunately, though, I did not see as much value in my own students becoming the teachers.

Fast forward to 2012 and I am more convinced that we need our students to be creators of their own content. Two weeks ago, I had the chance to help out one of our teachers as she worked with some 4th graders on math. Instead of “teaching” the students, she had each student design a lesson they could teach to the world. They designed their presentation and used a screen capture program (Camtasia Studio) to record their session. We then posted the video to youtube and now these 10 year olds are teaching the world math lessons. It has been motivating for these students to see how many people watch their videos. It has also helped them to understand the topic that they presented on.

Samples of the videos are below: If you have the time, the students would love to hear your reactions to their videos.

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About Post Author

Jon Bergmann is one of the pioneers of the Flipped Class Movement. Jon is leading the worldwide adoption of flipped learning by working with governments, schools, corporations, and education non-profits. Jon is coordinating or guiding flipped learning initiatives around the globe.

Jon is the author of seven books including the bestselling book: Flip Your Classroom which has been translated into 10 languages. He is the founder of the global FlipCon conferences which are dynamic engaging events which inspire educators to transform their practice through flipped learning.

About Jon Bergmann

Jon Bergmann is considered a pioneer in the Flipped Class Movement. Jon is leading the global flipped learning movement by working with governments, schools, corporations, and schools. He has worked literally all over the world and is the author of seven books including the bestselling book: Flip Your Classroom which has been translated into 10 languages. He is the founder of the global FlipCon conferences which are dynamic engaging events which inspire educators to transform their practice through flipped learning.

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Jon is the host of "The Flip Side," a radio show which airs on the BAM Radio Network. Most episodes are between five and seven minutes long. Often Jon has guests where they discuss Flipped Learning and other times Jon simply shares his thoughts on education that he has learned in his 28 years as a teacher and educator.